Hello Monday! It’s pouring rain outside, still. I got soaking wet going to class today. I had planned on getting ice cream and junk food and vegging out in front of the TV watching movies and pigging out, trying to eat away the rain and sadness. However, once I got home with goodies, I felt like doing art! So I gave in because I don’t always have as much time as I would like.
So on my 20 by 20 list, one of my things to do before I turn 20 is to learn 5 new (to me) art techniques. For my new launch of products on etsy (also on my 20 by 20 list) I decided to tackle a new technique. Smart huh? I guess it’s not brand new, I’ve played a little bit with making my own stamps before but never seriously and was never interested in real techniques on how to do it nor was I interested in making my stamps perfect.
I have a few designs made that I will use for my new products and was initially going to get custom stamps ordered, but at about $25 for a 3×3 stamp and 4-5 designs, I figured I already have all the supplies to make my own so I’ll give that a shot first!
Last week when I was being lazy, I found some tutorials and using those tips/videos and my own knowledge from past teachers sat down to carve out my very own stamp!
Tutorials:
Hand Carved Stamps
Me In Action!
Carve Your Own Rubber Stamp Tutorial
So I started out by drawing my design on tracing paper in pencil
Then I transferred the image to the linoleum. (You can purchase all kinds of linoleum and carving tools from Blick Art Stores. I used the Soft-Kut Printing Blocks and a basic SpeedBall carving tool kit)
I started to carve out the edges first but eventually just decided to use my razor and cut it off so I just had the camera on the linoleum.
As with all the best art projects, this one makes a big mess.
So then I finished carving out. (When drawing out the design, I colored in the parts of the camera that would be raised/uncut so I didn’t get confused in the process)
Then I had to test it out!
I tried some stamp pads I had first (bottom two) but I think they were old and dried up a bit. Then I just tried some black acrylic paint.
Obviously, it’s not coming out as clearly/cleanly as I would want it to, but it’s my first time so I think it’s pretty decent. Does anyone out there make rubber stamps and have tips for what to use for ink/paint? Or how to get a cleaner image?
It was fun little project and took me about 30 minutes start to finish. I will keep trying, I have more linoleum (I bought an 8×10 piece and used about a 2×3 piece for this stamp).
Have you made a stamp, or know of more places with tutorials/tips? Please share the link in the comment section, I would love to see it!
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